Moving into your first apartment is exciting, but it can also be a nerve-wracking process if you aren’t familiar with the factors you should consider, such as location, amenities, and whether pets are allowed. The following list offers tips for successfully choosing your first place. 

How to Choose a First Apartment

1. Location, Location

How much you enjoy the apartment has a great deal to do with its location. Determine how far it is from work, the gym, and other friends or family. Check out the neighborhood to locate coffee shops, pubs, cafes, your favorite type of grocery store, parks, and other amenities that are important to you. Inquire about parking and if a street permit will be required from the city. Make sure to visit at night as well to see if you’re comfortable with the area’s nighttime vibe. If the area isn’t well-lit after dark, it may be a better idea to look elsewhere.

2. Carefully Consider Roommates

Roommates can make or break a living situation, especially if it’s a fresh experience for everyone. Talk openly with potential roommates about their living habits, such as sleep patterns, dietary choices (vegans and meat eaters could run into conflicts), cleaning preferences, and how often significant others will visit. Choose housemates who have a reliable job and are willing to be co-signers on a lease.

3. Laundry & Other Facilities

Make a list of the non-negotiable things you want for a first home. Perhaps that is a laundry facility on-site or even in the apartment, or a convenient parking area, a patio, green space, or furnished rooms. Not every wish may be fulfilled, but don’t compromise on what’s most important. Inquire about heat and air conditioning, make sure that thermostats and window units look up to date, and test them if you can. Find out what utilities are included in the rent, such as Wi-Fi, water, and electricity.

4. Pets

Do you or your roommates own a pet? Are any of you planning to get one in the future? Find out if the apartment complex allows pets — if so, find out what types of pets the apartment allows, whether they charge a pet deposit, and if it’s refundable. If you’re planning to bring a pet into the apartment, consider whether the neighborhood is a good fit for your animal. For instance, is the environment suitable for walking a dog? If possible, find out if your neighbors have dogs, as this is a potential source of noise. 

 

 

If you’re planning to rent an apartment, get in touch with Murphy Properties. Based in Pawcatuck, CT, this a family-owned and -operated rental company has several properties in New London County, CT, and Washington County, RI. Their five locations cater to working singles, couples, and retirees. Each property has access to ample shopping and entertainment options. For more information about availability, call (860) 599-1980, or visit their website to learn more about their locations.